Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi highlighted the pivotal role Tom Brady played in the Raiders' pursuit of Ben Johnson. Brady's championship pedigree could sway the Lions offensive coordinator toward Las Vegas.
Lombardi has decades of experience in an NFL front office, while Brady recently joined the Raiders as a minority owner. Johnson transformed Detroit's offense into one of the NFL's most powerful units as its coordinator.
Lombardi shared his thoughts on Brady's impact on the Raiders' coaching search during a Thursday appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show.”
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“I think it's definitely a step in the right direction,” Lombardi said. “I mean, you get a guy who understands what it takes to win, a former player who achieved the highest level of his career, the greatest quarterback, a GOAT. And you put him in there, and you sit in a meeting with him, and he knows what it takes to win.”
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Lombardi emphasized Brady's experience in team building.
“I've talked to Tom many times in the past about team building, about how to scout from the inside out. I think Tom will do a great job,” he said.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that those “attached to the job” believe Ben Johnson is the front-runner to land the job with the Raiders.
Ben Johnson could reshape the Raiders' future
The coaching search carries extra weight after Las Vegas' 4-13 season led to the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco. Pro Football Talk reports that the Raiders have prepared a “massive” contract offer for Johnson, though they still need to meet the Rooney Rule's interview requirements.
Radio host Dan Patrick noted that Brady's presence enhanced the Raiders' appeal to Johnson. The Lions coordinator previously turned down head coaching opportunities but seems intrigued by working with the NFL legend.
The Raiders hold the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This could allow Johnson and Brady to select a quarterback from prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.
Johnson cannot accept an offer until Detroit's playoff run is over. The Lions host Washington in the divisional round on Saturday, with Brady calling the game for Fox. This timing may be symbolic — Brady may have seen Johnson's final game with Detroit before We could potentially welcome him to Las Vegas.
Edited by Krutik Jain
